1. Improving the representation of large carbon pools in ecosystem models Mat Williams (Edinburgh University) John Grace (Edinburgh University) Andreas Heinemeyer (York University) Phil Ineson (York University) Theresa Meacham Getty Images

2. Introduction:  Forests buffer the rate of atmospheric CO 2 increase. Woody biomass carbon ~ 580 Mt. Soil carbon stock (to 0.8M) ~1200 Mt. UK emissions 654Mt CO 2 (2006). PhD scope: Link soil scientists and plant biologists. Link long time series measurements of soil, canopy and forest growth. www.noaa.gov LULUCF (2006)

3. 1.Features of forest large carbon pools 2.The uncertainties surrounding large carbon pools 3.The direction of my research. Talk outline: Oak Woodland: Getty Images

4. Forest carbon sequestration: Atmosphere Photosynthesis Root Foliage Wood Fungi Soil Fungal respiration Plant respiration Microbial respiration

5. Fast carbon fluxes: View from flux tower: Harwood forest  Atmosphere-canopy interactions

6. Fast carbon fluxes:  Current photosynthesis drives soil respiration. Hogberg, P., A. Nordgren, et al. (2001). "Large-scale forest girdling shows that current photosynthesis drives soil respiration." Nature 411(6839): 789-792. Calculated fungal respiration Calculated root respiration Hogberg et al (2001)

7. Slow carbon fluxes:  Soil carbon fluxes Arctopussy at Alice Holt  Woody Biomass Getty Images

8. Uncertainties surrounding large carbon pools:  Below ground carbon fluxes are poorly understood. Heinemeyer, A., I. P. Hartley, et al. (2007). "Forest soil CO2 flux: uncovering the contribution and environmental responses of ectomycorrhizas." Global Change Biology 13(8): 1786-1797. Heinemeyer et al (2007)

9. Uncertainties surrounding large carbon pools: Magnani, F., M. Mencuccini, et al. (2007). "The human footprint in the carbon cycle of temperate and boreal forests." Nature  CO 2 fluxes change as a forest ages. Magnani et al (2007)

10. 1. Above ground processes influence below ground carbon pools. Leaf fall Bud burst Soil CO 2 efflux (CO 2 m -1 s -1 ) March June Sep Dec March June Adapted from Heinemeyer (2008) 1 2 3 4 5 The Direction of my research:

11. 1. Above ground processes influence below ground carbon pools. Phenology measurements MODIS Images: Monks Wood, Cambridge. Courtesy of University of Southampton Courtesy of Mat Disney, NERC, CTCD Hemispherical photographs: The Direction of my research:

12. 2. Error within ecosystem models is lowest at mid-rotation NEP (t C ha -1 y -1 ) Age (Years) 1.Disturbance recovery in young stands. 2.Patchy carbon allocation in old stands. 3.Root :Leaf Area change with age. The Direction of my research: 0

13. 3. Root optimality theory should be incorporated within ecosystem models Water Nutrients CO 2 Factors affecting the economics of carbon allocation: Stand age Competitive interactions Environmental factors Stand genetics Leaves Stems Roots The Direction of my research:

14. 4. Use models to inform UK forest policy Getty Images Woodland policy aims in England: Ensure woodlands are resilient to impact of climate change. Protect and enhance environmental resources of soil, water and biodiversity. Improve competitiveness of woodland businesses, such as woodland products and reduction of carbon emissions. ‘A Strategy for England’s Trees, Woods and Forests’, Defra (2007) The Direction of my research:

16. Summary:  Large carbon pools sequester atmospheric carbon.  Long time series data, modelling and earth observation techniques may aid our understanding of processes.  Model outputs can help make future predictions and inform policy.

17. Harwood Forest; Courtesy of Mat Disney, CTCD Thank You Any Questions?

18. The Direction of my research: Griffin Forest Wheldrake Forest Alice Holt UK Field sites CarboAge project Michigan biological station Harwood Forest